Pundits admit being wrong about Trossard’s impact
Former football stars Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott have admitted that Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard has “proven them wrong” with his sensational form this season.
Speaking on Amazon Prime following Arsenal’s commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, both analysts confessed to having underestimated the Belgian’s value to the squad. Walcott, a former Gunners winger, revealed he previously believed Mikel Arteta should have looked to replace Trossard during the summer transfer window.
Walcott noted that while teammates like Gabriel Martinelli possess explosive speed, Trossard offers a unique intelligence and calmness on the pitch that sets him apart. “Leandro knows how to find open space, and what I really admire about him is how calm he stays,” Walcott remarked. He added that the healthy competition between Trossard and Martinelli has significantly improved the team’s overall performance, particularly on the left flank where Trossard’s consistency has been “surprising.”
Wayne Rooney echoed these sentiments, highlighting Trossard’s tactical flexibility as a major headache for defenders. The Manchester United legend praised the forward’s ability to drift into the “number ten” position or stay wide, making him nearly impossible to mark. Rooney emphasized that Trossard’s two-footedness and clinical finishing have made him one of the most reliable assets in Arteta’s quest for both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Arsenal maintain perfect European record in Milan
The discussion among the pundits followed another masterclass from Mikel Arteta’s side, which secured its seventh consecutive UCL victory. A brace from Gabriel Jesus and a late strike from substitute Viktor Gyokeres ensured the Gunners remained at the top of the Champions League table with a 100% record. The win in Italy was particularly significant as it guaranteed Arsenal a spot in the top two of the group stage, providing a favorable path into the knockout rounds.
During the post-match analysis, a lighthearted moment occurred when Arteta joined the panel. Walcott and Rooney jokingly asked the Arsenal manager if their younger selves—or a prime version of Arteta as a player—would make it into the current starting lineup. Arteta humorously downplayed his own chances and those of Walcott, but pointed directly at Rooney, stating, “You [Rooney] would get in.” The interaction highlighted the high standards and immense depth of the current Arsenal squad, which Rooney later admitted would be a match for any era.
Despite the praise, Rooney also sparked a debate by claiming his 2008 Manchester United side would still “batter” this current Arsenal team. He pointed to the established winning mentality of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, noting that while the Gunners are the best team in England right now, they have yet to lift the major trophies that define a legendary side. This comparison has since gone viral, with fans debating the merits of Arteta’s modern tactical machine versus the raw power of the United vintage.
Jesus and Gyokeres lead the line in tactical shift
The performance against Inter Milan also showcased Arsenal’s incredible squad depth, which many consider “borderline obscene.” Gabriel Jesus, who won the Man of the Match award, used the platform to prove he is ready for more regular starts, especially with a high-stakes clash against Manchester United looming on Sunday. Rooney advised the Brazilian to make it “crystal clear” to Arteta that he wants to be the first-choice striker for the remainder of the season.
| Arsenal Goal Scorers vs Inter Milan | Minute | Goal Type |
| Gabriel Jesus | 10′ | Open Play |
| Gabriel Jesus | 31′ | Open Play |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 84′ | Strike from distance |
The late goal by Viktor Gyokeres also served as a response to recent criticisms regarding his goal output. The Swedish striker’s impact off the bench demonstrated why Arsenal are currently the favorites to end their 20-year league title drought. With Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gyokeres all starting on the bench in Milan, the Gunners have shown they have the “firepower” to compete on all fronts as they enter the final stages of the 2025/2026 campaign.
As the team prepares to return to London, the focus shifts back to the Premier League, where they currently sit seven points clear at the top. The “friendly competition” mentioned by Walcott appears to be the engine driving Arsenal’s success, with players like Trossard continuously raising the bar. Whether they can maintain this momentum and prove Rooney’s “batter them” prediction wrong will be the defining story of the next few months.
